Do you own an iPad or other tablet device? If so, you know that there is no shortage of apps for your perusal, but have you tapped into the power of LDS apps? If not, here are a few suggestions of ways that you can use your tablet to enhance your Sunday (or any other day) experience.
Gospel Library 2.5 - This is a free version of the standard works, and it is GOOD! It allows you to highlight, annotate, cross-reference, link, and do other nifty things to your electronic scriptures. It also comes with a download for the regular hymn book as well as the children's song book. Great reference materials are also included, like study helps and maps. All this for FREE!
*If you have an iPad, the newest version, 3.0, is fantastic! The interface is completely different, with beautiful icons to help you find your way.
LDS Tools - This is a great app that gives you access to a "ward directory" of sorts. You can look up email addresses, phone numbers, and callings for members of the ward. You will need to sign up for a free lds.org membership in order to access the information in this app.
Mormon Channel - One of my favorite apps, this tool gives you access to church music, recordings of conferences, inspirational "firesides," and a host of other great podcast-type content. So much to become acquainted with that you won't get your fill in one sitting.
Free, online subscriptions to the Ensign, New Era, Liahona, and Friend - There are a couple of versions of the magazines that you can subscribe to, but I think the best ones are the "bluepaper" versions. You subscribe to them through your Newstand, if you have an iPad. You can get editions that go back to 2001. Full color, and very nice to have in an electronic version.
LDS Music - If you don't have musical abilities but want to have some musical accompaniment for your Family Home Evening, this is the app for you. Full instrumental accompaniments for hymns from the regular hymnal as well as music from the children's songbook. Vocals can be included. No need to sing
a capella anymore!
Relief Society Manuals - You can get the e-version of just about any manual the church publishes and download it to your tablet. Go to lds.org and search under the auxiliary that you would like to find publications for. All the the Teachings of Presidents of the Church manuals are available along with Daughters of My Kingdom. Download them to iBooks for an easy reference library that you don't need the internet to access.
Games - There are many appropriate games and activities for your children too in the LDS apps library. Temple matching, conference bingo, scripture stickers...you name it, you can probably find it. While there are many available free of charge, you often only receive the "lite" version unless you are willing to spend a bit to get the full version. Some are definitely worth it, although I think it is a good idea to read a review or two about the app before you invest in the full version. These are the modern-day version of the "quiet book" that I grew up with and can often bring a sense of appropriate reverence to your sacrament meeting time.
Have you found an app or two that I haven't mentioned? Make a comment on this post so that others can see how the internet can bless our lives.
